Logo

Wall of Love

Read heartfelt stories from unpaid carers who found comfort and support following their break.

Kayleigh avatar
Kayleigh
Hotel staff were very friendly and helpful. The room was lovely too. This break made a huge difference and helped me and my husband recharge, ready to go back home and care for our 3 autistic boys.
Oct 20, 2026
Amanda avatar
Amanda
Only went to the Scottish Highlands as I always wanted to visit. I took my friend on the break, we thoroughly enjoyed seeing the scenery and being away from the caring role, even just being served a meal I didn't have to cook felt great. The staff at the hotel couldn't have been nicer. It was so great not having to worry about anything but me for a change, not getting woken up during the night to do care, and being able to just do what I wanted.
Feb 27, 2026
Sophie avatar
Sophie
I would have never had my break if it weren't for Carefree, it was long overdue and much needed. As a parent who never has a break and never comes out of my comfort zone, it was honestly the best thing I ever done. Thank you, Carefree, it was much appreciated.
Feb 13, 2026
Amanda avatar
Amanda
The hotel was lovely - great location, facilities and breakfast and the staff were fabulous. I'm so grateful to Carefree for the break and feel revitalised 😊
Feb 4, 2026
Lynne avatar
Lynne
This break allowed me to prioritise my needs without the responsibility of my caring duties. A short break and a good night’s sleep make a huge difference in my ability to care. Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity.
Dec 8, 2025
Katy avatar
Katy
It just meant the world to take some time for me, relax, and recharge. I’ve been so burnt out - sleeping a full night in a bed was a luxury.
Jun 10, 2025
Collette avatar
Collette
This break was important to myself and my husband as it allowed us to be able to have a break away from the caring responsibilities of our son, without the worry of the expense that comes with having a night away. It allowed us to have some quality time for ourselves, where we could switch off (as best as possible) and have some time to ourselves and as a couple.
Apr 28, 2025
Binyomin avatar
Binyomin
"Like cold water on a weary soul" so refreshing! We really hope we'll be priveleged to have this opportunity again in the future and that more hotels will partner with your wonderful work!! THANK YOU!!
Apr 8, 2025
Julia avatar
Julia
It gave me the opportunity to rest and reset my body and mind without the person I care for—so, so valuable! And so trouble-free with Carefree—the break was like a good tonic! I did buy something a bit stronger when I went away too, and the hotel staff were so lovely. We will return, with or without Carefree. A total pleasure… thank you so very much! 😊
Mar 26, 2025
Pauline avatar
Pauline
I can’t thank you all enough for my break—it was perfect. I was able to relax and be myself again. My grateful thanks. I have already thanked everyone at the hotel; it was perfect in every way—very clean and comfortable, with helpful staff and delicious food.
Feb 8, 2025
Pauline avatar
Pauline
I would like to say a much-appreciated thank you for my grateful break, it was perfect. The hotel was perfect in every way, the staff were very helpful, room perfect and the food was first-class.
Feb 6, 2025
Martin avatar
Martin
Really appreciate the opportunity of this break. Was lovely to just have a bit of 'me time' and put myself as the focus for a little while.
Jan 17, 2025
Linda avatar
Linda
It allowed time for me and gave me a well earned break. Really enjoyed it as had a chance to exercise and have fresh air. Hotel was fabulous. Thank you so much.
Jan 12, 2025
Amanda avatar
Amanda
The break was amazing. We would not have been able to afford it without you. We were able to relax and recharge, making us feel more ready for our caring role. We are so grateful for the break.
Jan 9, 2025
Brian avatar
Brian
Both my partner and I very much enjoyed being able to relax without having one eye on the clock and having to plan. We managed to stay one extra night, which we paid for ourselves. The staff and accommodation were fantastic. We have come back bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Thank you all so much for your kindness. You make such a difference to people who do an important job but are sometimes overlooked. Keep up the good work.
Jan 6, 2025
Sarah avatar
Sarah
Amazing to get away with my husband for 2 nights! I feel really refreshed and ready to resume normal life again! Thank you Slaley Hall for offering rooms in your wonderful hotel, and thank YOU for arranging that I could have this break from caring duty to recharge my batteries!!
Nov 28, 2024
Heather avatar
Heather
It was invaluable. The hotel was beautiful, clean and elegant with friendly helpful staff, who made us feel so welcome. We laughed and relaxed. The break away allowed me to find me again as opposed to facilitating care and activities to enable my husband to have a fulfilled life. As a carer, life revolves around the caring role. The break away allowed me to recharge my batteries and have an experiences to share on my return.
Nov 14, 2024
Sarah avatar
Sarah
I was exhausted, I’ve never valued a break so much, Thank you!
Nov 11, 2024
Heather avatar
Heather
This break gave me a chance to relax and enjoy time away with a friend without putting the needs of my husband first, allowing me to just be myself. It provided a rest from everyday routines. The hotel was amazing. The staff was really welcoming, helpful, and friendly, the food was very good, and the room was spotlessly clean and comfortable. The atmosphere was really friendly and we met some interesting people. It made me feel like a person again, it is so easy to lose oneself to the caring role. The time away gave me an experience to share with my husband and family on my return. Thank you for organising this break away. It was really needed and I appreciate the gesture. It enabled me to return to my role as a carer with a smile.
Nov 6, 2024
Pauline avatar
Pauline
I was feeling very low, but the thought of my break gave me a lift. I am very grateful. The hotel was perfect in every way, the room, the food, and the staff. Thanks to everyone!
Sep 27, 2024
Tracy avatar
Tracy
The location was so peaceful. I felt so relaxed with time to think about how I want to be moving forward. This forced me yo take time for myself and prioritise myself.
Sep 25, 2024
Amanda avatar
Amanda
This break was amazing for myself and my husband. We rarely get to do anything together without the children. Being able to stay in Slaley Hall was a huge treat! We got to spend quality time together and recharge our batteries.
Sep 19, 2024
Barbara avatar
Barbara
I have just returned from 2 nights in Leeds with my lifelong friend. I think I have laughed more in the last 3 days than I have in the past 8 years, and that is all thanks to you. Without the chance of such an affordable getaway, I would still be plodding on without anything to look forward to or fondly remember. Thank you, thank you, thank you for the gift of a break and the fun I had, just being able to do something ā€œnormalā€ that everyone else takes for granted – looking in shops, sightseeing, etc.
Sep 5, 2024
Lucinda avatar
Lucinda
It was important to recharge my batteries. We don’t have any respite care and no family support, so it’s fully dependent on my husband and myself. It can be very exhausting!
Jul 22, 2024
Jennifer avatar
Jennifer
This opportunity was invaluable to me; I was able to relax and enjoy myself without thinking about my daughter all the time. I chilled out by the pool, had a delicious meal and had a great night's sleep. It felt like stepping out of stress for a while… I felt refreshed and invigorated when I got home. Many thanks.
Jul 17, 2024
Patricia avatar
Patricia
I really appreciate and value the Carefree break. It gave my husband and me time away together and allowed me to relax. The hotel was lovely, and I would definitely recommend it—Village Hotel Hull. Thank you so much.
Jun 23, 2024
Judith avatar
Judith
I took my sister to Slaley Hall. We went swimming and walking and enjoyed a free breakfast. It's been five years since I last had a holiday, apart from a night away. The staff at Carefree were supportive when I had to cancel because my dad was ill. Thank you very much x.
Jun 20, 2024
Lynne avatar
Lynne
I was feeling extremely exhausted and was struggling to perform my caring duties to the best of my ability. In fact, I felt like I was slowly suffocating. I had been looking forward to this break from the moment I booked it (and kind of dreading it in equal measure, feeling guilty for neglecting my duties). I asked a friend to come along for support, and she was thrilled. There is no way I could afford to take a break at this hotel, so I chose a reasonably local one in case of any emergency at home. The hotel was very welcoming, and the rooms were lovely. Breakfast was included, along with the use of the spa. I have had two full, unbroken nights of sleep for the first time in over five years, and the chance to relax and prioritize my self-care has done me a world of good. Thank you so much for allowing me to have this amazing experience.
Jun 11, 2024
Elaine avatar
Elaine
Really important to me to have some 'time out'. A night away was lovely, not only for my own mental health, but to 'switch off' & be in a different environment was just so relaxing.
May 28, 2024
Katy avatar
Katy
They say a change is as good as a rest, and it’s true! It felt so, so nice to get a change of scenery, treat myself to a swim and not cook for a night. I felt so refreshed afterwards, it was a real treat.
May 28, 2024
Helen avatar
Helen
I was able to spend valuable time with my daughter - staying in such a beautiful hotel made me feel like a valuable member of society again and they upgraded us which made me feel special - something I haven't felt for a while. From having an amazing breakfast in the morning, to being able to go swimming use the steam room and sauna, to the beautiful room in the hotel - it could not have made us feel more special so I'm very very grateful to them and to yourselves Carefree for making this break happen - as a Carer I have very little money and could not have afforded such an amazing break - thank you
May 2, 2024
Jaswant avatar
Jaswant
It was just so lovely to completely switch off, no time limits, use of facilities, dinner till late, drinks, not having to worry about getting up early, being able to enjoy meals, have a lovely lie in. The hotel was so lovely. Thank you for making this possible, and big thank you to the hotel!
Apr 4, 2024
Collette avatar
Collette
The break allowed us to get away without the worry of the expense it would have otherwise cost. This made a massive difference to us, as took away the guilt of booking something that cost money. Amazing service! Thank you!
Apr 3, 2024
Elainn avatar
Elainn
Fantastic hotel. Friendly staff and great service. Stepping away from home and not thinking about my to-do list was just brilliant.
Mar 11, 2024
Diane avatar
Diane
Having time to relax and unwind was wonderful. It gave me space to concentrate on myself and consider the things that are important to me. Thank you!
Feb 8, 2024
Carole avatar
Carole
Great to try new things without worrying about cost.
Jan 30, 2024
Lisa avatar
Lisa
Thank you, so much, for this wonderful opportunity to take time for me!
Jan 2, 2024
Tracy avatar
Tracy
Just being able to fully relax and have no responsibility. The opportunity is truly appreciated.
Jan 2, 2024
Hannah avatar
Hannah
I just want to thank Carefree for giving me this opportunity to have a break.
Nov 29, 2023
Stacey avatar
Stacey
Such a beautiful place and lovely staff who made us feel welcome.
Nov 13, 2023
Paul avatar
Paul
I was very appreciative of the support, and it was very beneficial.
Nov 6, 2023
Heather avatar
Heather
I enjoyed having some time and space away from home in a lovely hotel and setting. Although on my own, I did meet other people to talk to. I enjoyed walks around the hotel grounds and swimming in the spa. I was able to read my book in one of the lovely lounges with views. Checking in and out of the hotel was very smooth and staff were lovely and helpful. This break came just in time and it was just what I needed. I very much appreciate your support with booking this break. Thank you, so much.
Sep 29, 2023
Sarah avatar
Sarah
Just Thank You so much ā™„ļø
Sep 22, 2023
Melissa avatar
Melissa
Sooo grateful for opportunity. For £25 it was fab - worth every penny.
Aug 22, 2023
Leanne avatar
Leanne
Me and my husband are so thankful and grateful for our much needed break. It has given us a chance to take 5 minutes to ourselves and recharge, ready to go again.
Aug 21, 2023
Helen avatar
Helen
I would just like to say a really big Thank You, for allowing me to take this break - I had the best time! I am very, very grateful - it is an incredible thing that you and those offering the accommodation do. Thank you x
Jul 20, 2023
Lucinda avatar
Lucinda
I had the time to relax and enjoy time with my other child. We had a fabulous time together without any stress or worries. We built memories together and didn’t have the worry of the issues around my caring responsibility. Thoroughly enjoyed!
Jul 17, 2023
Kayleigh avatar
Kayleigh
Just to say thank you, to Carefree for such amazing experience and gift.
Jun 26, 2023
Andrea avatar
Andrea
Relaxing, and being myself. Looking up to the blue skies, sitting on the terrace outside the hotel in Edinburgh, with my sunglasses on and feeling the sun on my face. It was wonderful! Thank you.
Jun 22, 2023
Tracy avatar
Tracy
Total pamper time with my other daughter. We both benefited immensely and felt very rested and ready to deal with our caring role when we got back. Thank you, so much, for the opportunity to have some time away. It was much appreciated
May 9, 2023
Kristy avatar
Kristy
Sleep. Being able to have a full night's sleep, a hot bath, drinking a cup a tea in the morning, it had been over a year since I had a cup of tea like that. This was the first time we have ever done this. We couldn't do two days as that's too much to ask of other people when helping, so that one night was just perfect. It was a big step for all of us, but I'm so glad we did it.
Apr 16, 2023
Margaret avatar
Margaret
I would like to thank you for making this possible. To have this time away means so much. Just being able to have some me time - thank you again!
Mar 2, 2023
Mabel avatar
Mabel
I would like to thank you, Carefree, for thinking about people like us. You are amazing.
Feb 13, 2023
Nicola avatar
Nicola
A lovely serene place to stay. A comfy room and tasty breakfast. Thank you.
Feb 6, 2023
Amanda avatar
Amanda
Lovely hotel in a beautiful setting. It was great. Thank you.
Jan 16, 2023